7 NATURAL PAIN-RELIEVING PLANTS

There is no such thing as being too prepared in times of emergency. Stocking up on necessities such as medications will be valuable; there will come a time when medicines will be scarce, and you won’t always have them at your disposal. Luckily, there are a myriad of medicinal herbs and plants that are just as effective, if not more so, in relieving pain than expensive prescription drugs. Best of all, they come without the adverse side effects you will get from conventional medicine, such as addictive or withdrawal effects.

Preppers can stock up on these natural pain killers and benefit from their medicinal properties that traditional medical practitioners have utilized for centuries. (h/t to BioPrepper.com.)

Potent painkillers

Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) – Also known as the Egyptian water lily, the blue lotus contains nuciferan (a natural anti-spasmodic), which makes it effective in relieving muscle spasms, migraines, menstrual cramps and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It also contains aporphine, which gives a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy. Moreover, it is known to enhance memory, increase circulation, and used as a sexual aphrodisiac.

Kava-kava (Piper methysticum) – This plant’s name comes from Polynesian dialects which translates to “bitter.” It is used throughout the Pacific Islands as an analgesic and muscle relaxant, which makes it especially effective for soothing chronic back pain and bronchitis, as well as anxiety, tension and restlessness. Additionally, the kava is used as treatment for severe bites and stings from insects, and as an antidote to toxins from poisonous fish.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) – Kratom is usually taken as a powder, and has stimulant and sedating properties, which is effective against traumatic injuries such as broken bones and torn muscles. Substance abusers can find relief from their suffering with this medicinal herb.

White willow bark (Salix alba) – The bark of the white willow (as well as other willow species) is a well-known remedy for inflammation similar to aspirin, thanks to the compound salicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective in soothing menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and neck and muscle aches. The bark is usually boiled as tea.

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) – This invasive weed is found in most parts of the U.S. It has a characteristic milky latex sap in the leaves, which looks similar to the sap of the opium poppy. This gave the plant its other name, “opium lettuce.” The sap contains lactones, which have numbing effects, making them great for soothing muscle, joint and inflammation aches and pains. The sap is squeezed from the leaves and stalks and can be ingested orally, mixed with juice, or made into tea. It can also be smoked for fast efficacy. Wild lettuce also helps induce sleep.

Relief from arthritis

Boswellia – Boswellia is a moderate to large branching tree found in the dry, hilly areas of India. Its resin is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe joint pains in people suffering from all types of arthritis. It is also effective against asthma, bronchitis, ulcers, Crohn’s disease and colitis, to name a few.

Poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) – R. toxicodendron is a homeopathic remedyspecifically used for managing arthritis symptoms that include early-morning flareups.

Both Boswellia and R. Toxicodendron are claimed to be highly effective pain relievers from arthritis symptoms when taken in complementary dosage.